COVID-19 is experiencing a resurgence in California, prompting officials and health experts to closely monitor the situation.
The latest uptick in infections has started in Northern California and is now being noticed in Southern California.
Dr. Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health and state health officer, confirmed the increase during a recent webinar.
Experts caution that while current COVID-19 activity remains much lower than last summer’s surge, the seasonal impact of the virus should not be underestimated.
Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional physician chief for infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, anticipates a rise in cases in the Southland over the next few weeks, referencing data from wastewater indicating increasing levels of the coronavirus.
“My colleagues at Northern California Kaiser Permanente have already noticed this trend, so I suspect it will be coming to Los Angeles soon,” said Hudson.
The situation is different across the state, with varying patterns of infections and positivity rates.
As of early July, California recorded a COVID-19 test positivity rate of 5.5%, which is higher than recent rates but significantly lower than the peak of 8.2% last summer.
Much has changed since the last summer’s surge, when California faced its most severe COVID-19 wave.
This year, infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from UC San Francisco warns that immunity levels have waned since a substantial number of people last contracted the virus.
“It’s been a longer time since a lot of people got infected,” Chin-Hong noted, indicating that recent discussions around COVID-19 have increased, with people seeking advice on how to protect themselves.
Simple public health strategies continue to be recommended, such as avoiding contact with sick individuals and ensuring vaccinations are up to date.
“Just because you had an easy case the last time doesn’t mean that you’ll have an easy case this time,” Chin-Hong warned, highlighting the serious nature of some recent infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the West region currently exhibits the highest coronavirus wastewater activity in the United States.
Statewide, California has a classified “moderate” level of coronavirus activity, which reflects a growing trend in infections.
Reports indicate that wastewater viral levels have increased in various areas, including Santa Clara, where levels are now considered high.
In San Francisco, while wastewater levels have increased, they still remain lower than last summer.
In Los Angeles County, COVID-19 test positivity rates rose to 6.4% for the week ending July 12, marking an increase from 4.8% the prior week.
Despite this uptick, the wastewater levels in L.A. County have been relatively flat and are lower compared to previous summers.
The L.A. County Department of Public Health reported, “Overall, the data suggest a slight increase in COVID-19 activity in L.A. County, but nothing yet consistent with a significant summer ‘surge.’”
Orange County is experiencing a similar situation, with a positive test rate of 6.3% that is increasing but still lower than in recent years.
Dr. Christopher Zimmerman, the deputy medical director of the Orange County Health Care Agency, noted that COVID-related ER visits remain stable and constitute a small percentage of total emergency visits.
As California looks forward, the Department of Public Health has indicated a minor COVID wave is anticipated to peak in late August.
State officials expect that this summer may yield either a stronger COVID wave or a more significant wave in winter, but they do not foresee a repeat of the dual seasonal surges witnessed in earlier years.
The prevailing subvariant in circulation is NB.1.8.1, also known as “Nimbus.”
However, the fastest-growing strain across the country is XFG, or “Stratus,” both of which are characterized as highly contagious.
Reports suggest Nimbus is linked to severe throat symptoms described by patients as feeling like “razor blade throat.”
Nevertheless, current vaccines are anticipated to be effective against both subvariants.
The California Department of Public Health stresses that everyone aged six months and older should have access to authorized COVID vaccines, focusing on protecting high-risk groups.
This recommendation stands in contrast to new federal guidelines that have raised concerns among health officials.
Under the Trump administration, recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations in healthy children and pregnant women were recently altered, stirring controversy.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism for these changes, as many scientists argue that clinical data supporting the previous vaccination strategy for children was lacking.
Dr. Pan mentioned discrepancies in the federal guidance, noting that previously recommended vaccinations for at-risk populations, including pregnant women, are now not clearly endorsed.
Certain health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association, have initiated legal action against Kennedy for modifying vaccine recommendations without scientific backing.
In California specifically, about 37% of seniors have received at least one dose of the latest COVID vaccine, which became available in September.
In many counties within the San Francisco Bay Area, the vaccination rate among seniors is around 50%, while it stands at approximately 30% in counties like the Los Angeles and Orange regions.
Dr. Pan reiterated that insurance provisions for COVID vaccines remain intact, allowing broader access to those eligible.
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota has responded to the shifting vaccine policies by launching a “vaccine integrity project.”
This initiative aims to ensure that vaccine utilization remains rooted in scientific evidence and free from external influences.
Concerns are also mounting regarding proposed budget cuts at the federal level that could severely impact public health services across California.
Dr. Pan highlighted that the Biden administration’s budget proposal suggests a drastic reduction in funding for the CDC, which may lead to significant losses for state and local health agencies.
With nearly half of the California Department of Public Health’s funding sourced federally, upcoming budget changes threaten essential services and public health initiatives.
Proposed reductions could strip vital resources for disease control, health promotion, and public health infrastructure.
The potential loss of over $200 million in annual funding for L.A. County public health services has raised alarm among health officials.
Such cuts would significantly hinder vaccination campaigns, emergency preparedness, and chronic disease prevention efforts.
A recent federal court ruling temporarily halted some funding alterations made by the Trump administration, but uncertainty remains regarding long-term financial stability.
L.A. County warned that if they lose the ongoing lawsuit regarding funding, it could result in immediate staff layoffs, contract cancellations, and funding cuts for community support organizations.
As California navigates its ongoing battle against COVID-19, health officials are urging vigilance and adherence to public health strategies aimed at minimizing spread and protecting vulnerable populations.
image source from：latimes
